A new long-distance flight route has officially begun at Václav Havel Airport in Prague. Etihad Airways will operate flights from Prague to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, four times a week. The inaugural flight was greeted with a traditional water salute at Prague Airport.
“We are delighted to announce that, after several positive discussions, we have successfully formed a partnership with Etihad Airways, a carrier that previously did not serve our airport. The new route to Abu Dhabi marks another achievement in our ongoing plan to gradually enhance our long-distance flight offerings. We are optimistic that this new connection will quickly attract passengers and provide them with access not only to the United Arab Emirates but also to various other locations within the Etihad network. Our projections suggest that, by the end of this year, over 50,000 travelers could make use of this service,” stated Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors.
Etihad Airways will utilize a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the Prague-Abu Dhabi route, which accommodates a total of 290 passengers across Economy and Business Class. This route will be available four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. “Our new route provides a wide array of choices for travelers. By offering this connection, we are bridging two remarkable regions, linking passengers from the Middle East to the heart of Europe. Additionally, travelers can take advantage of connecting flights from Abu Dhabi to various destinations across Asia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Australia,” added Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.
“Direct flights from far-off locations are crucial for attracting affluent tourists to the Czech Republic. The Etihad Airways route not only offers connections from the United Arab Emirates but also opens pathways from more remote areas like India and Southeast Asia. Moreover, it represents a comfortable and appealing travel option that meets the expectations of discerning travelers. We identify significant potential in these segments for both the Czech Republic and local tourism,” emphasized František Reismüller, the director of the Czech Tourism Board – CzechTourism. According to their data, over 379,000 tourists from the Middle East visited the Czech Republic last year, predominantly choosing Prague and the Karlovy Vary region, where they seek spa experiences, shopping opportunities, and family-oriented offerings.
A flight from Prague to Abu Dhabi takes you to the capital and largest city of the United Arab Emirates, which beautifully blends tradition with modernity. Visitors will be enchanted by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which spans 12 hectares and can hold up to 41,000 worshippers. Art enthusiasts will likely want to check out the local branch of the Louvre Museum and explore interactive art installations featuring light, air, water, temperature, and sound at the TeamLab Phenomena complex. Fans of Formula 1 can catch the season’s final race in December at the Yas Marina Circuit. Yas Island also boasts several amusement parks for family fun, including Ferrari World, dedicated to the legendary Italian car brand, the expansive Yas WaterWorld water park, and Warner Bros. World featuring beloved superheroes like Batman and Superman.